How Long Does Coquito Last in The Fridge: 3 Easy Tips!
The holiday season is over, and you have leftover coquito which makes you wonder, how long does coquito last in the fridge? Here 3 easy ways to solve the shelf-life puzzle.
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What is Coquito?
Coquito, literally meaning “little coconut,” is a coconut-based drink from Puerto Rico. Also known as Puerto Rican eggnog, this traditional Christmas drink has a creamy texture that will warm you from the inside out. It is a staple especially during the holidays such as Christmas Eve and Three Kings Day.
While it is known as the Puerto Rican version of eggnog, coquito and American eggnog are quite different. Eggnog is usually made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla and heavy cream. On the other hand, coquito is made with different ingredients, has a richer flavor and does not typically include eggs.
What is Coquito Made Of?
The main ingredients for authentic coquito are:
- Cream of coconut (not coconut cream)
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Ground cinnamon
- Evaporated milk
- Condensed milk
- Vanilla extract
- White rum –typically a Puerto Rican rum such as Don Q
All the ingredients are added to a blender and thoroughly mixed, then poured into swing cap bottles and refrigerated. Sometimes cinnamon sticks are added to the bottles for extra zing. The longer it sits in the fridge, the thicker and richer the coquito becomes! Truly a tasty drink.
There are times when coquito includes tea made with warm spices to add depth, extra flavor and coziness to the drink. The alcoholic beverage can be made of different flavors as well, such as Nutella, coffee, Bailey’s, guava, cheesecake, chocolate, pistachio, etc. This also affects the shelf-life of the drink, which will be discussed further. On that note, if you want a list of flavored coquito recipes, feel free to check out Tropical Cake Pop’s!
Consumption.
The beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink is typically consumed in small or shot glasses. Give it a good shake prior to consuming then pour. The shelf life of coquito depends highly on three variables: Does it contain egg? Does it have alcohol? Is it stored properly? Let’s dive in!
How Long Does Coquito Last in The Fridge?
Egg or No Egg?
The inclusion or exclusion of eggs in coquito marks a crucial distinction in both flavor and shelf life. The traditional Puerto Rican drink does not include eggs as the idea is to emphasize the coconut essence of the beverage. However, there are times when raw eggs will be added. If it has no alcohol, coquito will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. When alcohol is added, however, it may last 1-3 weeks, depending on the egg to alcohol ratio (alcohol content).
If you like eggs in your coquito and want it to last longer, you can use pasteurized eggs instead of egg yolks. Always check for signs of spoilage (foul smell, mold or strange appearance) before consuming.
Alcohol or no alcohol?
Alcohol acts as a natural preservative in drinks, which extends their shelf life. There are several reasons why alcohol is effective in preserving beverages:
- Antimicrobial properties: inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It disrupts their cellular membranes and denatures proteins, preventing these microorganisms from thriving and spoiling the drink.
- Reduced water activity: this element in alcoholic solutions makes it less favorable for microorganisms to proliferate. Microorganisms require water to grow and reproduce, so lowering water activity inhibits their development.
- Oxidation prevention: alcohol acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent the oxidation of compounds in the drink. Oxidation can lead to off-flavors and the deterioration of the beverage’s quality.
- Acidification in alcohol: the acidity contributes to the overall acidity of the drink. Acidic environments are less hospitable to many microorganisms, providing an additional barrier against spoilage.
- Dehydration : alcohol has a dehydrating effect that disrupts the cellular structures of microorganisms. This hinders their ability to survive and reproduce in the beverage.
The classic Puerto Rican drink normally contains alcohol, which naturally extends their shelf life. However, virgin coquito will last 3-5 days in the fridge given that is the shelf life of most of its main ingredients once opened. Coquito with alcohol will last up to one-month depending on whether it is flavored or if it is the traditional version.
While alcohol is an effective preservative, the exact impact on shelf life can depend on factors such as the type and concentration of alcohol, the specific ingredients in the drink, and how the beverage is stored. It’s important to note that while alcohol can extend the shelf life of a beverage, it doesn’t make it immune to spoilage, and proper storage practices remain crucial for maintaining quality and safety.
Is it Flavored Coquito or The Original Recipe?
When it comes to flavored coquito, in other words, outside of the original recipe, there are other factors to consider. For example, if you have a cheesecake coquito in your hands, it might need to be consumed faster as the cheesecake will spoil quicker than the rest of the ingredients. Nutella, on the other hand, will last longer.
In other words, if it is not traditional coquito, it is important to evaluate the shelf life of the additional flavoring. This will help determine whether the coquito will last longer or if it needs to be consumed promptly. Although in my house, it is always the latter. 😉
Proper storage.
Preserving coquito is an art, and proper storage is the brushstroke that ensures longevity. Coquito must be stored in a properly cleaned and dried airtight container, with swing cap glass bottles being the preferred vessel. While plastic bottles suffice, their tendency to absorb odors and alter the drink’s flavor makes glass a superior choice.
Coquito can also be frozen if you make a big batch or get several bottles. Be sure to store coquito in a freezer-safe container and leave room for expansion as it freezes. The best way is to utilize the glass bottles. Frozen coquito may last up to 4-6 months.
Please note, freezing it might change the texture of the coquito slightly. If it contains alcohol, it will thaw easier as it will not freeze fully, while virgin coquito will freeze in its totality. To defrost it, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Did My Coquito Already Go Bad?
These are some signs your coquito has seen better days:
- Sour smell: if it smells like bad milk or unpleasant in any way, it is no longer good for consumption.
- Strange color: due to the dairy contents, coquito can develop mold. If the original color has changed in any way or there are splotches of green/blue, it needs to be discarded.
- Odd texture: coquito is typically thick but not lumpy. If it has an unusual texture, or seems separated and does not go back to normal after a good shake, it is highly likely it went bad. There should not be any chunks in your coquito!
- Bitter/sour taste: If it seems off but you are not entirely sure, you can always do a taste test. If it tastes bitter or strange, discard it.
In the unfortunate event that your coquito has spoiled, do not despair. Making coquito is a straightforward process as it requires simple ingredients and a blender. You can quickly whip up a new batch to enjoy or share during the holiday season.
To make your own coquito, check out this easy video recipe! Also, if you are vegan or lactose intolerant, feel free to try this DELISH vegan coquito or dairy-free coquito recipe. It is simple to make, and your friends will not know the difference between this one and the traditional recipe.
If you want to try some coquito-inspired desserts, checkout this luscious Pumpkin Spice Coquito Flan, as well as this melt-in-your-mouth Coquito Tres Leches Cake.
In conclusion, savoring coquito beyond the holiday season is possible with these three easy tips. You can answer the question of how long does coquito last in the fridge by understanding the role of eggs, alcohol, and proper storage. This way, you can extend the lifespan of this Puerto Rican delicacy and continue enjoying its rich and festive flavors.
As always, ¡buen provecho from The Happy Wookiee!
